What are some common challenges Singaporean students face when applying to U.S. colleges, beyond test scores?

Beyond SAT and ACT scores, Singaporean students often face unique challenges in the U.S. college admissions process. These include:

• Understanding the Holistic Review: Unlike Singapore’s more exam-centric system, U.S. universities employ a “holistic review,” which heavily weighs extracurricular activities, leadership experience, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Students need to learn how to effectively showcase their strengths beyond academics.
• Crafting Compelling Essays: In our experience, Singaporean students find the personal statement and supplemental essays to be the most challenging because they’re accustomed to more structured academic writing. Submitting a compelling essay that reflects your child’s personality and uniqueness are crucial to acceptance. 
• Navigating Cultural Differences: The U.S. classroom culture is very different to what you’ve been used to. There is more diversity in the community, which could lead to social and cultural differences. It would be helpful if you could visit the campus during application so your child can get a feel the vibe and determine if they are a good fit..
• Choosing the Right Fit: With many colleges and universities to choose from, selecting one that truly align with your child’s academic, social, and career goals can be overwhelming. Creating a balanced college list is key. 

At Cardinal Education, we offer comprehensive guidance that goes beyond test prep to address these challenges, helping Singaporean students present a strong, well-rounded application to their dream U.S. universities.